Police have issued a warning to Somerset residents over highly convincing scam calls in which fraudsters pose as officers and can even make their number appear to be a genuine police contact.
Avon and Somerset Police said it has received multiple reports of people being contacted by individuals claiming to be police officers when they are actually criminals attempting to gain their trust.
Some fraudsters use "spoofed" phone numbers, which disguise their real caller ID and can instead display the number of a legitimate organisation.
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Police said reports suggest scammers can even make calls appear to originate from genuine Avon and Somerset Police telephone numbers.
The calls can use AI technology, be automated or involve a real person, but their goal is to persuade victims to disclose personal information or transfer money.
Fake calls targeting Somerset crime victims, police say
Fraudsters may tell people they are helping with a police investigation and claim a suspect has been arrested, with the victim's details supposedly discovered during subsequent enquiries.
They may also provide what appears to be a genuine crime or case reference number in an attempt to make the conversation seem legitimate.
Police believe the purpose is to gain a person's trust before attempting to defraud them.
Victims can be told that their finances are at risk and instructed to transfer money into a supposed "safe account", which would in reality be controlled by criminals, or asked to provide sensitive banking information.
"Extremely professional and convincing" fraudsters at work
The force said the callers can be extremely professional and convincing, with some victims reporting that fraudsters appeared to know personal information about them, including details and nicknames that would not ordinarily be publicly available.
Amy Samotyj, a fraud protect officer at Avon and Somerset Police, said: "These fraudsters are highly convincing and often sound professional.
"They may claim an arrest has been made, provide what appears to be a genuine case reference number and tell you your personal details have been found as part of a police investigation.
"They may even know some information about you in advance."
Officer Samotyj explained: "They're using these tactics to build trust and create a sense of urgency, which can make the calls seem genuine.
"It's important to remember that fraudsters can spoof telephone numbers, meaning the number displayed on your phone may appear to belong to a trusted organisation when it does not.
"Remember that Avon and Somerset Police will never ask you to move money, transfer funds to a 'safe account', withdraw cash, purchase gift cards, hand over bank cards or disclose banking security information as part of an investigation.
"If you receive a call of this nature, end the call and independently verify who has contacted you before taking any action."
How to protect yourself from fake caller fraud
Avon and Somerset Police has issued a series of steps people can take to protect themselves.
The force says a genuine-looking phone number does not guarantee that the caller is genuine, because fraudsters can spoof numbers.
Police will never ask someone to transfer money to a "safe account", withdraw cash, buy goods or gift cards, or hand over bank cards to assist an investigation.
People should also not regard a crime reference number, collar number or other seemingly official information provided by a caller as proof of their identity.
Instead, they should independently verify the caller using contact details from the organisation's official website.
The force also warned people never to disclose banking passwords, PINs, one-time passcodes or other financial security information over the phone.
Anyone feeling pressured or being told they need to act urgently should end the call. Police added that a genuine officer will not object to someone hanging up to verify their identity.
Anyone wishing to check whether a police call is genuine can contact the force on 101, or 999 in an emergency. People are advised to ideally use a different phone, or allow time for the line to clear before making the call.
Alternatively, they can visit their nearest police station and speak to an officer in person.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted can report the incident through Report Fraud or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Anyone who has already transferred money should contact their bank immediately.
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